Opposition Watch: Gold Coast SUNS

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Nick Malceski (left) and Gary Ablett of the Suns celebrate during the 2016 AFL Round 12 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

The Gold Coast SUNS will be feeling confident after their 40-point win against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on the weekend.

It was a spirited performance that saw their stars shine, with ex-Lion Michael Rischitelli, Nick Malceski, Aaron Hall, Dion Prestia, Peter Wright and Gary Ablett all named within their team’s best.

There were also four SUNS who were named in AFL.com.au’s Team of the Week. The players named were Nick Malceski, Steven May, Tom Lynch and Michael Rischitelli.

After kicking three goals, taking 10 marks and having 14 disposals, young SUNS player Peter Wright was also named as this week's NAB Rising Star.

The SUNS NEAFL side also ‘sizzled,’ beating the Southport Sharks by 33-points at Metricon Stadium.

This game saw young star, Jaeger O’Meara’s, return to football and he played a strong first half before being put on ice at half time.

Jarrod Garlett was named the NEAFL side's best after kicking four classy goals and Josh Schoenfeld played one of his best games for the Club with 27 disposals, 13 marks and two goals.

Leading Goal Kickers

SUNS' Injuries

Experienced midfielder, Matt Rosa, has been ruled out of this week’s game after suffering a hamstring injury against St Kilda. Speaking on goldcoastfc.com.au’s latest Injury Report, Gold Coast’s General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, said that the injury wasn’t too major, but would mean he’d miss at least two weeks.

“Disappointing for Matt. He’s had a couple of hamstring injuries this year,” Ashcroft said.

“The one he suffered on the weekend’s not major, hopefully only keep him out for two to three weeks.”

In the NEAFL, SUNS veteran Danny Stanley fractured his fibula, meaning he will miss the remainder of the 2016 Season.

In positive news for the SUNS, midfielder Jesse Lonergan looks set to return to footy after missing the last two games with glandular fever.

Who’s in the mix?

With Matt Rosa to miss this game, there will be at least one change to the SUNS team who played in Round 15.

Jesse Lonergan is one player that the SUNS have put in the mix to return, but whether he will go straight back into the Senior side or come back through the NEAFL is the question.

After a best-on-field performance in the NEAFL, Jarrod Garlett is also pushing for a recall into the Senior side.